It’s time to take a look at what the Patriots might be doing in the offseason this year.  Last year, they were near the bottom of the league in both third down defense and red zone defense.  So I would expect to see them try to shore up the defense, which is getting old and slow. The Patriots need to worry about players like Bruschi and Harrison retiring (or being too slow if they don’t retire). They also need a DB who can create some turnovers like Asante Samuel did.  They were severely lacking in that this year.  I would expect them to bring in another pass rusher as well, as the third down defense needs to get more pressure on the QB.

On offense, obviously everyone expects the Patriots to trade Matt Cassel for a 1st or 2nd round pick. Hopefully this means that they know Brady will be healthy.  But perhaps it just means that they have confidence that 2nd year man Kevin O’Connell is ready to step into the job if Brady can’t go.  Otherwise, on offense, the wide receiver position is very well stocked.  A team can always use some new offensive linemen.  I think the particular needs on offense are TE, with Watson in his last year, and running back, where Maroney is looking like a bust.

So I would rate the Patriots needs in this order: S, LB, DB, TE, DL, DB.  Mainly, I would expect them to go after a lot of defensive players this offseason, in both free agency and the draft.

I think the Steelers will win the Super Bowl, mostly because they have the #1 defense in the league.  James Harrison is amazing, Ike Taylor will mostly shut down Larry Fitzgerald (with help from Ryan Clark and Troy Polamalu) and the Steelers will win.  I was originally picking the Ravens because of their defense (#2 to the Steelers) but defense usually wins.  I’m still hoping to see some excitement from Kurt Warner and some ridiculous catches from Fitzgerald, but its the Steelers.  With their pass rush, they should force Kurt Warner into some bad throws, and I think their D will get some turnovers out of it.  On the other side, Roethlisburger and Willie Parker should be able to do enough to win the game.